FCT Minister Revokes 4,794 Land Titles Over Unpaid Ground Rent
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved the revocation of 4,794 land titles due to persistent non-payment of Ground Rent spanning over 40 years. The affected properties are located in the Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape, where a total of 8,375 property owners have consistently failed to settle Ground Rent obligations.
Addressing reporters, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, alongside FCTA Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, explained that despite multiple notices published in national newspapers and broadcast media announcements since 2023, the defaulters have largely ignored the calls for payment.
“Payment of Ground Rent is based on extant laws and clearly stipulated in the terms and conditions attached to the Right of Occupancy. It is legally required to be paid annually, without formal demand, on January 1st,” Olayinka emphasized.
As of the end of 2024, property owners owed a cumulative sum of N6,967,980,119 in unpaid Ground Rent. Specifically, 4,794 land titles have defaulted on payments for over 10 years, breaching terms outlined in Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.
Consequently, the titles of these properties have been revoked immediately.
The FCTA has reiterated its commitment to enforcing compliance with legal obligations among property owners and has warned that further actions may follow against continued defaulters. Property owners have been urged to promptly clear their outstanding debts to avoid future revocations.
